RAP 1987-2007background
Refugee Arrivals Project was set up in the late 80's by a coalition of RCOs (?) as a response to the lack of reception arrangements for asylum seekers arriving at Heathrow. The organisation maintained offices in the airport and provided accommodation and support.

RAP worked over a period that saw a sustained rise in refugee numbers and public awareness of the situation through the decade of the 90's, and then a drop in arrivals again as the UK government tightened visa restrictions on refugee producing countries and imposed new and increasingly bizarre and cruel legislation on immigrants every other year.

RAP grew over the years and employed 100's of people as staff, volunteers, interpreters and greeted 1000's of clients from all over the world

RAP's strengths

- unique organisation, pioneering work
- dedication to clients
- culture of refugee empowerment
- committment to equal opportunities and a diverse team
- located at world's busiest airport

RAP quit the reception centre at thorncliffe in '06?
RAP closed it's doors in 2007. 2 teams joined with RC and are based in Hounslow.

My Experience
I started working at RAP in 1995 as a student, and have very sweet memories of my first year working as community support worker with newly arrived clients around london. The role of welcoming people to uk was a great privilege and was at the heart of RAP's mission.
That year was an education to me in the hidden world of the immigration system, and RAP colleagues supported me and treated me as a member of the RAP family. My image of RAP as a band of ninja activists in the tunnels of heathrow was not exactly correct, but we were a small team of hard-working and exceptionally dedicated people with whom i spent 5 inspiring years.

research projectaims:

- tell the story of RAP, recognise, acknowledge and celebrate RAP’s achievements
- establish RAP archive?
- conserve RAP legacy
- document & gain insight into an important period in the history of asylum in UK
- present positive images of RAP to help overcome the traumatic experiences of those affected by the closure of the organisation
- Investigate the impact of RAP observer function at LHR
- Gather Learning points from history of RAP

1987 Community organisations express concern that new asylum seekers are particularly vulnerable at ports of entry, and may suffer through discrimination and lack of specialist service provision. Sandy Buchan carries out research for Refugee Action. London Boroughs Grants Scheme Refugee Working Party gets closely involved.

1988 Steering Committee formed, made up of representatives of community organisations and refugee agencies. Director and two staff appointed. RAP based at Refugee Action offices, London.

1989 RAP starts receiving clients and moves office to Heathrow. Quickly expands because of large number of referrals from Immigration Service.

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